CURRENT CHALLENGES OF THE GYNECOLOGY ASS‹STANTS IN TURKEY

SUMMARY Objective: To assess the working conditions and current challenges of the gynecology assistants in Turkey and to propose solutions within this context. Materials and methods: A survey on the problems of assistant doctors and the solution proposals they offered was executed with gynecology assistants who serve at the teaching, research and university hospitals in different regions of Turkey. Results: 60 gynecology assistants from 7 training institutions (university and teaching research hospitals) were included in the study. 75% of the participants (n:45) prefered gynecology as their first choice in the medical specialty exam. 51% of the survey participants(n:31)were satisfied with their existing conditions. The main problem was determined as severe working conditions by 43% of the participants. (n:26) Based on the answers of 42% of the participants(n:25), malpractice was observed as the leading concern following the specialty. Furthermore, setting rules on duty hours and daily leave after duty as well as arranging working hours were the common opinion of assistant doctors with regard to the solution proposals to the working conditions. Additionally, issuing assistant report cards and boosting participation in conferences and scientific research activities were other prevailing opinions of the assistant doctors when it comes to reducing training problems. Discussion: It is striking that under the current circumstances, assistant gynecologists are discontent with strenuous working environment and inadequate training. The common proposed solution is to initiate standardization in all training agencies across Turkey.